Police officers in Bulawayo collect more than 600,000 dollars monthly through bribes from minibus taxi operators, according to investigative findings. Officers use intermediaries to gather payments of 10 dollars daily from each vehicle at roadblocks positioned across major routes. Municipal police add another 60,000 dollars per month by charging illegal pickup point fees. The corruption undermines the Egodini Mall transport hub, where legal daily fees cost just 2 dollars.
Drivers described paying 3 dollars at three separate checkpoints on the Cowdray Park route, totaling 9 dollars per trip. Vehicles that refuse payment face impoundment and substantial fines for release. Rank marshals demand additional fees of $3 at busy terminal locations. City deputy mayor Edwin Ndlovu requested evidence from operators to enable council action against alleged misconduct.
The kombi association chairperson encouraged members to obtain proper permits and certificates for legal operation. Commuters expressed frustration about conditions at informal pickup areas where transport chaos persists. Operators avoid the renovated mall facility despite lower costs because bribes allow unrestricted movement throughout the city. National police headquarters did not respond to requests for comment on the allegations.
Drivers described paying 3 dollars at three separate checkpoints on the Cowdray Park route, totaling 9 dollars per trip. Vehicles that refuse payment face impoundment and substantial fines for release. Rank marshals demand additional fees of $3 at busy terminal locations. City deputy mayor Edwin Ndlovu requested evidence from operators to enable council action against alleged misconduct.
The kombi association chairperson encouraged members to obtain proper permits and certificates for legal operation. Commuters expressed frustration about conditions at informal pickup areas where transport chaos persists. Operators avoid the renovated mall facility despite lower costs because bribes allow unrestricted movement throughout the city. National police headquarters did not respond to requests for comment on the allegations.
